- are in direct conflict with the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and a fundamental undermining of the government’s own legislation and guidance
- would cause arm to listed buildings, monuments and their settings
- would mean inappropriate intensification of population in an unsustainable rural area
- are unacceptable impact on strategic infrastructure including highways, health, education and utilities
- fail to meet requirements for the protection of important species and disregard for the new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements
‘Don’t make asylum seeker accommodation a postcode lottery’, says Council
The Home Office has been told by West Lindsey District Council that it can’t create asylum seeker accommodation on a postcode lottery based on the availability of crown land.
The robust comment from Council Leader Trevor Young is in response to news that the Home Office is seeking planning permission for the use of RAF Scampton for asylum seeker accommodation for three and a half years from April.
The Government is basing its application on an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Direction which it hopes will form the basis of creating a Special Development Order as a route to planning consent.
Councillor Young is urging the Home Office to reconsider the SDO proposal. He said: “The Government has not only failed to understand the complexity of the site through its inadequate Environment Impact Assessment, but it has also failed to engage properly with local people throughout the process leading to significant anxiety within the community.
“RAF Scampton is wholly unsuitable for the purpose they propose and as such they need to engage in meaningful consultation with all future stakeholders to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to addressing asylum seeker accommodation needs is developed nationally. It can’t simply continue to be a postcode lottery based on the availability of Crown Land alone.”
The council has launch new judicial review proceedings, and has told the Home Office it believes the plans
Village hall gets upgrade thanks to Prosperity Fund
Kitchen facilities in Claypole Village Hall have been fully refurbished following a grant from the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund.
Over £25,000 worth of upgrades to the kitchen will improve the experience for those hiring the hall and allow it to host food-related events and activities.
The refurbishment was part-funded by a grant of £19,620 from South Kesteven District Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Philip Knowles, Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing and Chairman of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund Board, said: “I am delighted that funding from the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund has supported such a special building and fantastic local asset to improve its facilities and increase access to the wider community.
“Left in trust to the village more than 100 years ago, it is vital that we continue to support Claypole residents and volunteers to look after the hall and provide a space where the community can come together to socialise, celebrate and stay active.”
The charitable trust, which oversees the management of the hall, also funded a further £6,500 with £1,500 from its own finances and a £5,000 donation left in the will of local resident, Jane Taylor.
Jane was a passionate member of the team which organised the annual Christmas lunch for Claypole’s senior residents. It was Jane’s wish that facilities at the Hall be improved to make the event viable for years to come.
The new kitchen was installed by local tradespeople over the festive period and includes modern fixtures and fittings and upgraded cooking facilities.
The upgrades will mean those hiring the hall can use the kitchen to provide hot meals or host food-related activities, such as cooking and baking workshops.
Claire Simmonds, Chair of the Claypole Village Hall management team, said: “Upgrading the kitchen was one of the final steps in a long journey of renovation work undertaken at the hall.
“Over the past few years, we’ve invested heavily in refreshing the interior and exterior, renovating various rooms, including the library, bathrooms, and the former caretaker’s cottage to lease out to The Side House coffee shop and upgrading our audio-visual equipment to support the Claypole Cinema Club.
“The Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and we are delighted to be able to keep it looking its best and ensure it’s ready to serve the community for another 100 years.”
The South Kesteven Prosperity Fund is currently accepting applications for Year 3 funding which will be available from 1st April 2024.
For existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions that fall within rural parts of the district, funding is also available through the South Kesteven Rural Fund.
Image credit: Google maps
Golf day secures hole in one for air ambulance
Lincoln-based Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 accountancy practice, hosted their tenth annual Charity Golf Day raising a record amount of more than £8,000 for the Air Ambulance.
The total amount fundraised will be divided between three regional charities; East Anglian Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The winning team on the day was Varley Orthopaedics with Civil Recovery Solutions coming in second and The One Group in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Adam Aisthorpe and Paul Ward respectively.
Streets would like to say a huge thank you to all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible.
The event received fantastic support with 23 teams taking part and more than 30 local businesses sponsoring the day. There were Stableford team prizes as well as competitions such as Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro, All four hit the Green and Hole in One.
Commenting on the day, Streets Partner Mark Bradshaw said: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £8,063 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”
Streets’ 11th Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday 5th July 2024 at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey. Once again this will be in aid of the three Air Ambulances for which Streets have raised nearly £70,000 for over the last ten years.
Community pub in Ashby put on the market
The Malt Shovel, a popular pub in Ashby, North Lincolnshire has been put on the market, with its owner set to retire.
Located on the town’s high street, the business has been owned by Rupert Abbott for over 18 years.
He says: “I was lucky enough to be offered the chance to purchase The Malt Shovel in 2006. The pub didn’t go to the open market as the owner was keen to get the right person with the same values as himself, who could take the business that he had built forward.
“It’s a pub at the heart of the thriving community, with fantastic staff and great fresh cooked food and real ale offering. I’m lucky enough to have been part of the lives of the local community, but all good things come to an end. Now is a good time to bow out and hand the operation of a thriving business to a new custodian.”
Alex Rex, senior business agent at Christie & Co who is handling the sale, says: “I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to find a new owner for this fantastic and unique Pub and Restaurant operation.
“There are very few pubs on the market that perform to the levels that this one does and I expect there to be a number of interested parties in the establishment.”
Image courtesy of Christie & Co
First part of £20m Government cash will revamp Scunthorpe community centres
The first £2m of a ten-year £20m Government cash pot will be used to revamp community centres across Scunthorpe, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council announced in a cabinet meeting.
The Government revealed in October that Scunthorpe would be one of 55 areas to get a £20m endowment-style fund to spend on residents’ priorities across the next 10 years.
Now, after consulting with residents, it has been revealed that the first year’s £2m will be used to enhance existing – and create new – community centres.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This latest commitment from Government will back residents’ ambitions for Scunthorpe.
“We’ve already seen the creation of a new public open space in the town, gigabit broadband, the amazing solar panels scheme for schools and the development of a new business hub.
“All of these things are designed to make Scunthorpe more vibrant and it is further proof that the Government is backing our plans that we have developed to back communities across the area to flourish and grow.
“From April we’ll be delivering a programme of improvements across community centres in Scunthorpe.”
Image shows Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council
New history festival will shine a light on Lincoln’s past
A Lincoln Festival of History is billed as being a captivating journey through the ages when it takes place between 4 to 6 May.
The city-wide celebration of history and heritage created through collaboration between City of Lincoln Council and Lincolnshire County Counci promises to transport visitors and residents alike to pivotal moments in Lincoln’s past.
The festival’s first zone announcement allows visitors to step back in time to explore the Roman encampment within the Colosseum Quarter. With living history displays in St Paul in the Bail and Castle Square, including gladiator battles!
A range of historical reenactors will parade in the Uphill area of the city, with visitors encouraged to join in costume or wearing creations crafted in the various zones at the event.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “Following the success of our 2023 Events in Lincoln programme, we’re excited to start the year with something new. We hope Lincoln Festival of History will become a key event in the city’s yearly calendar, celebrating the city’s rich history.
“This festival will see partners from across the city including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln BIG, University of Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral and Lincolnshire Co-op, come together to create a weekend of activity for the entire family.
“Growing year on year, this event will enable visitors to unlock the past and celebrate the legacy of Lincoln – where history comes to life.”
Samantha Mellows, Director of Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Lincoln Cathedral said: “Lincoln’s long history is all around us, not just in the internationally important buildings such as the cathedral, castle and our many medieval buildings, but in our impact on the country and the whole world.”
A celebration of a lifetime: Luxury Rutland hotel to host vibrant Asian Wedding Showcase event
A luxury Rutland hotel is set to host a luxurious Asian Wedding Showcase event to coincide with the official opening of its new 500 guest capacity Pavilion on the banks of Rutland Water.
Rutland Hall Hotel, near Oakham, will be hosting the free event on Sunday 25th February from 11am to 3pm, where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty and grandeur of Asian weddings – featuring supercars, jewellery, wedding dresses, makeup artists, entertainment, food and more.
The event aims to offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration for their own special day.
Some of the trusted specialist wedding suppliers attending include Krystal Group, who will be decorating the Pavilion, Sanjay Foods wedding catering, A Kreative Image photography, MC Makeup Artist, and Chauffeur & Co car hire.
There will also be tours around the resort, allowing guests to take in the hotel rooms, self-catering lodges, and bridal suite, which features a hot tub and private garden.
Live entertainment featuring captivating performances will also take place throughout the day – highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Asian weddings.
Boasting an elegant and luxury decor style, the aptly named ‘Rutland Pavilion’ will provide guests with a picture-postcard view of the water, with plenty of space inside for entertainment, including a moveable bar.
Yatin Kotak, Director of Corporate Strategy at Rutland Hall Hotel, said: “Visitors to the event will be able to immerse themselves in vibrant colours, entertainment ideas, luxury cars, and stylish wedding fashions. The Pavilion and our existing Lakeview Suite will be decorated to inspire guests with ideas for their own wedding celebrations and offer the chance to speak to our bespoke wedding suppliers.”
He continued: “The day will be the perfect opportunity for couples and their families to experience our uniquely beautiful waterside resort – the ideal location for a memorable celebration. We will also be offering VIP tours around the resort, including the bridal suite, hotel rooms, restaurant, and our self-catering lodges. We look forward to welcoming everyone on the day and helping them to plan their perfect wedding.”
The Rutland Pavilion is the latest addition to the hotel’s selection of luxury wedding packages at its award-winning venue. Its fairy tale garden pagoda has expansive, unrivalled views of Rutland Water, offering the perfect setting for a magical day amongst 70 acres of peaceful parkland. Whilst the Lakeview suite and other smaller spaces offer a peaceful setting for more intimate weddings.
For more information on the Asian Wedding Showcase and to reserve a spot, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/asian-wedding-showcase-tickets-794221657357?aff=oddtdtcreator.
For more information on Rutland Hall Hotel, please visit: https://rutlandhall.co.uk/.
New South Kesteven Prosperity Fund allocations revealed
More than £260,000 is to be paid out to support community initiatives across South Kesteven through the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund.
The latest allocations were awarded by the Shared Prosperity Fund Board or by senior officers as a delegated decision. Community groups will need to provide project details, quotations for work and demonstrate community benefit on applying.
More than £680,000 has been allocated from the South Kesteven Prosperity fund so far, with year two funding having been fully allocated.
Applications for Year Three funding, available from 1 April 2024, are now being accepted.
SPF Board Chairman, Cllr Philip Knowles, said: “This funding stream is a straightforward way to help pay for projects which support the whole community.
“The criteria is clear. The project should provide a public benefit, which could be targeted at a specific demographic, or the community as a whole.
“I look forward to seeing what residents of South Kesteven come up with to improve their local area and opportunities for everyone who lives there, works there or visits.”
Projects can involve Building improvements; Green space and outdoor improvements; Culture, arts, and heritage initiatives.
The most recently approved applications are:
Holy Trinity Church, Allington – £20,000
Installation of a disabled toilet facility.
Swinstead Village Hall – £19,400
Refurbishment of toilet facilities.
North Witham Village Hall – £3,799.84
Replace heating to the main hall and entrance hall and add heating to the toilets.
Great Gonerby Parish Council – £1,400
For a D-Day community celebration in June.
Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire – £1,000
Support to Heritage Open Days and accompanying brochure.
St Wulfram’s church, Grantham – £49,500
Installation of 78 photo-voltaic panels on the roof.
Stamford Art Pop Up – £35,421
Activities and events including family activity events, a recruitment event, skills development workshops, weekly evening drop in and activity sessions and youth led cultural events.
Boothby Pagnell Village Hall – £24,000
Installation of a photo-voltaic solar panel system.
Caythorpe & Frieston Parish Council – £23,740
To install a photo-voltaic solar panel system and batteries at the playing field pavilion.
Claypole Village Hall – £19,620
Installation of a newly configured kitchen refit.
Lawrence Park Recreation Ground, Thurlby – £18,300
Removal of community hall showers and refurbishment of toilet facilities, plus the installation of new sinks, flooring and decoration throughout.
SKDC – £15,000
Match funding to create an Airborne Forces Visitor Trail across South Kesteven.
Stubton Village Hall – £14,335
To replace five windows and three doors.
Bourne Wheelers Cycling Club – £8,000
A festival including cycle races, skateboarding and classic cars, celebrating the history of Bourne.
Dyke Village Hall – £5,000
New purpose built shed for storage.
Carlby Village Hall – £3,590
Replace the front door and fire doors.
Corn Exchange Theatre Company – £3,250
Equipment for the new Visitor Centre in the foyer of the Corn Exchange, Stamford.
BALM (Bereavement and Loss Matters) Peterborough and Stamford CIC – £1,100
Events to support families following the death of a child of any age.
Picture shows St Wulfram’s church, Grantham. Image credit: Google maps
New ‘Sutton Stories’ project to launch this February
A new creative, community-based project is set to launch in February with a day of arts, performances, and demonstrations at Meridale Youth and Community Hall in Sutton-on-Sea.
Sutton Stories will get underway on Monday 12 February, from 2pm to 7pm, as part of the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme awarded to the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and is being produced by Sessions Arts, the creative arm of Spilsby Sessions House.
On the day a variety of artists and arts companies will be in attendance with workshops and performances for visitors to enjoy, including:
• Fettle & Fable – presenting a special, mini-shadow puppetry show.
• MBD – presenting a range of virtual reality experiences.
• Fabuloso Organ – offering their unique music and sounds.
• Rhubarb Theatre – creating their own Sutton-on-Sea story to perform on the day.
The event is free to attend and is open to all ages, interests, and arts experiences, to help create the most rounded story of Sutton on Sea possible.
In the build up to the event, Sutton Stories is working to engage the local community and groups to help create special artwork displaying the unique views and experiences of Sutton-on-Sea shared by its residents.
The project, led by local artists Spectrum Arts and Lumo workshop, will work closely with Sutton Primary School, local community groups and families to collate a variety of different stories about Sutton-on-Sea, before turning them into a range of unique pieces of art consisting of light, images and sound that will be on display on the day.
Councillor Graham Marsh, Deputy Leader at East Lindsey District Council and member of the culture board, said: “We are delighted to get this exciting project underway, and can’t think of a better place to look to launch our NPO work than in Sutton-on-Sea.
“We want to make sure that the work taking place is really driven by our local communities and residents, and best reflects their stories and experiences of the place they live. Sutton Stories is a great concept, and has the potential to serve as a lasting record of the immensely rich heritage of the area.
“I hope residents will be able to join us for this first event, learn more about it, and help shape the future of our history.”
Picture shows Meridale Youth and Community Hall in Sutton-on-Sea. Image credit: Google maps
Boston Borough Council refuses to support proposed devolution deal
Boston Borough Council says it cannot support the Devolution Deal that is proposed for Greater Lincolnshire.
After seeking views from all Councillors, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Anne Dorrian, has now formally written a response on behalf of the council to a consultation into the proposed deal and Mayoral Combined County Authority arrangements.
At Full Council on Monday 15 January, Councillors voted unanimously to reject the proposals in their current form, with specific concerns relating to the deal itself and its governance, which Boston Borough Council says at present does not give all District/Borough Councils a voice on the Mayoral Combined County Authority.
The Deal negotiated with Government by the upper-tier councils includes:
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Chris Loneragan - £24m per year for 30 years.
- £28.4m to Greater Lincolnshire for 2024/25, to be allocated prior to the Mayoral Combined County Authority being established in 2025.
- The devolution of strategy and budgets related to skills; and multi-year transport budgets, with flexibility to allocate funds to local priorities.
